• AKD gets tough with Police and military while declaring war on narcotic drugs, organised crime
• Opposition moots action against Ananda over controversial comments about slain PS Chairman
• IGP in hot water over comments about SJB’s Jagath’s threats; Jagath vows legal action against IGP
• SJB raises privileges issue against IGP; Speaker convenes meeting with IGP and MPs in Parliament
• Sajith seeks security for MPs, LG councillors; IGP to present details to Prez, Public Security Ministry
• Archchuna joins meeting via Zoom from Geneva, says he faces threats from Police, Govt., Speaker
• Cold war brews within Police Department; IGP complains to CID, NPC about SDIG, seeks action
• Lalith replaced as Administrator of Police; several changes of SDIGs to be carried out with NPC ok
• Sajith to leave for India on official visit; three confidantes to accompany Sajith on official visit
• Senior SJBers including office-bearers, MPs unaware till a few days ago about Sajith’s Indian tour
• Chinese envoy moots expansion in RMB transactions, hails several local projects in line with China
• Govt. ministers fast losing touch with the public; Lalkantha asks people to eat two eggs due to prices
• Farmers oppose criteria set by Govt. for local onion purchases; Lalkantha justifies ‘standards’
• Ruling party facing dilemma on deciding whether to hold delayed Provincial Council Elections
• Govt. facing IMF conditions, continuing economic hardships, ideological conundrum, losing popularity
• JVP/NPP to make final call on polls based on best outcome; many parties seek registration from EC
• Group of Opposition parties announce Maha Jana Handa rally on 21st; main Opposition SJB absent
• SJB says no plans to join Maha Jana Handa; SLPP says SJB would lose if it doesn’t join rally on 21st
• Udaya, Wimal, Tiran to organise 21st rally; some coalition members question timing, say ground not ready
• Udaya and co. trying to reinvent ‘Mahinda Sulanga’ campaign; Dilith asks for vision, policies for country
• Dilum notes absurdity of joint Opposition campaign without main Opposition or Opposition Leader
• Namal takes the lead in 21st rally, notes past experience of joint Opposition during ‘Yahapalana’ Govt. 
• Wajira continues to push RW to lead joint Opp. campaign; RW pays respects at cook’s father’s funeral
• Dileepa breaks down expenses of RW’s UK trip, questions medical reports presented while remanded
• Some ministers make request to amend assets declarations; President’s Fund audit reveals millions in losses
• 34 former ministers hand over official residences in Colombo; CBK vacates official residence in Col. 7

It will be a decisive week ahead for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National People’s Power (NPP) Government as the annual Budget for 2026 will be presented come Friday (7). 

The upcoming 2026 Budget, which will be presented in Parliament by AKD in his capacity as Finance Minister, will be a make-or-break situation regarding Sri Lanka’s ailing economy that needs moving towards a growth trajectory from stability following an unprecedented economic crisis in 2022, not to mention the watchful eyes of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that is also waiting to receive clarity on Sri Lanka’s economic path for 2026.

The economic challenges before the country do not seem to be lost on President AKD given his push to attract more foreign investments to Sri Lanka. The appointment of Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof as his Special Envoy for Foreign Investment indicates AKD’s awareness of the difficulties faced by members of his Government to attract much-needed foreign investments to the country.

As pointed out in several columns of ‘The Black Box’ in the past few weeks, it is becoming increasingly evident that President AKD seems to be engaged in a lone battle in governing the country, with most of his members in the Cabinet and their deputies yet to fully comprehend their duties and the need to make hard decisions and enable economic growth.

While facing challenges in governance and economic management, President AKD last week drew battle lines with the underworld by declaring war against narcotic drugs and organised crime. 

Addressing a packed gathering at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium last Thursday (30 October), AKD issued a stern warning to members of law enforcement authorities by pointing out to the Police officers allegedly involved in drug trafficking networks and urging them to immediately withdraw or face disciplinary action. He further pointed out that weapons in the possession of the military had also found their way to organised crime gangs, which was also being addressed.

“Leave immediately! Otherwise, we will remove you,” he declared at the launch of his new anti-narcotics initiative, ‘Nation United – National Drive.’ The President is also leading the initiative as the Chair of the National Operations Centre with the Presidential Secretary serving as the Secretary of the initiative.

“Some villages say that when information is given to the Police, people later come looking for the informant. Authorities are taking steps to stop this. This is the era where the highest number of suspensions have been carried out within the Police force. We have already suspended many officers. Others must now step out of that network,” AKD further noted.

Threats to politicians

Meanwhile, the ongoing discourse on the life threats faced by politicians continued last week with Police reports also reportedly noting that 20 politicians, including three heads of Local Government bodies, had been killed during the last 25 years.

The parliamentary Opposition meanwhile is mulling the possibility of moving a no-faith motion against Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala over what is claimed as the continuing culture of killings through shootings and the failure of law enforcement authorities to put a stop to such killings. 

While attending the funeral of slain Weligama Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Lasantha Wickramasekara, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Sujeewa Senasinghe said that the Opposition parties would look at taking some form of action against Minister Wijepala over his comments regarding Wickramasekara’s killing and the Government’s responsibility over it.

Wijepala meanwhile has also stated recently that the Police had managed to identify four politicians with links to organised crimes and that a sister of a key organised crime leader had also been elected as a public representative.

The Minister has, however, refrained from disclosing the identities of these politicians and noted that law enforcement officers were carrying out further investigations into these politicians with the intention of initiating legal action. 

IGP in hot water

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya’s comments about the life threat faced by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Jagath Withana gathered much flak from the main Opposition SJB, while Withana claimed he would initiate legal action against the IGP over the derogatory statement made by the senior Police officer about him. 

“I have no connection with the underworld. I have been engaged in business legally since 1989. I have never been involved in any illegal activity,” the MP told the media the day after the IGP made the controversial statement. “I will take legal action against the IGP for these irresponsible and malicious remarks,” Withana added.

Weerasooriya in a statement to the media earlier last week noted that Withana was facing threats to his life due to his alleged connections with individuals involved in organised crime and illegal businesses and not for engaging in politics.

The IGP said that an initial investigation had revealed that the threats faced by the MP were linked to such associations and confirmed that temporary Police protection had been provided to the MP. “MP Withana’s life is under threat, but this is not a politically motivated issue. Intelligence reports point to his past dealings with persons connected to underworld and illicit activities,” the IGP stated.

However, Withana has been provided with two Police officers for his personal security after revealing alleged assassination threats against him.

The IGP last week also went on to advise political parties to be mindful when giving party membership to individuals and to do background checks to ensure that individuals linked to narcotic drugs and organised crime were not given legitimacy through political parties.

Privileges issue

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa meanwhile noted that the IGP’s statement had violated Withana’s civil and parliamentary privileges.

Premadasa charged that the IGP’s remarks, which implied links between the MP and underworld figures, demonstrated how the Police had become “highly politicised,” with certain investigations now being turned into political and media spectacles. “The complainant has been turned into the accused. The IGP must not distort reports or portray complainants as criminals,” Premadasa charged.

The SJB also claimed that the IGP should be summoned by Parliament to question the violation of parliamentary privileges of MPs.

Meeting party leaders

However, Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne last Friday (31 October) convened a meeting with party leaders and MPs especially from Opposition political parties at the Parliamentary Complex to discuss the safety and security issues faced by MPs. IGP Weerasooriya had also attended the meeting.

The Speaker had called on the IGP to inquire into and address the security concerns raised by Opposition MPs.

While members of the Opposition had expressed concerns over their security, Opposition Leader Premadasa had sought Police protection for MPs and Local Government members, especially on days when Local Government Councils were in session.

An interesting intervention had been made by independent Opposition MP Ramanathan Archchuna, who had joined the meeting via Zoom from Geneva, when he had said that he was facing threats from the Police, the Government, and the Speaker of Parliament. When the Speaker had inquired from Archchuna how he had posed a threat to the MP, the latter had said that the Speaker always switched off his microphone in the Chamber, preventing him from speaking, and that he was in Geneva to discuss this issue internationally.

The IGP however had responded saying that the concerns raised at the meeting would be forwarded to the President and the Public Security Ministry for further action, indicating that the final decision on the security of public representatives was vested with the President.

Cold war in the Police

Meanwhile, news of an internal clash in the Police Department, especially between two senior officers of the Police, emerged last week with a complaint reportedly being lodged before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as well.

IGP Weerasooriya had lodged a complaint with the CID and the National Police Commission (NPC) against a Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) over the alleged leaking of confidential information. Reports have stated that the IGP had requested disciplinary action and a transfer for the senior officer, who is alleged to have leaked confidential internal documents and false information about top Police officials to digital media outlets.

An audio clip said to involve the relevant SDIG and a social media activist from Kurunegala had reportedly been submitted to the NPC as evidence. The CID had also recorded statements from both the activist and the IGP regarding this matter.

Following this controversy, SDIG Lalith Pathinayake was replaced as the Head of Police Administration and is now limited to duties only as the SDIG of the Central Range. SDIG Western Range Sanjeewa Dharmaratne has been appointed as the new Head of Police Administration. Meanwhile, SDIG Sajeewa Medawatte is tipped to be appointed as the Head of the Western Range. 

Sajith to India

Amidst the focus on the safety and security threats faced by Opposition politicians, Opposition and SJB Leader Premadasa is gearing up to visit India on an official tour this week. Premadasa, it is learnt, is to leave for India tomorrow (3).

It is also learnt that the Opposition Leader is to be accompanied by three of his confidantes rather than senior office-bearers of the SJB or MPs. Senior SJBers were not made aware of Premadasa’s planned visit until a few days ago. Apart from the surprise of hearing about the Party Leader going to India, several senior SJB MPs were dismayed that Premadasa had opted to name three of his confidantes to accompany him on this official tour.

It is further learnt that the Opposition Leader is to meet with several key Indian officials. However, a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not likely to take place during the visit.

Following China

Meanwhile, China has drawn parallels between Sri Lanka and China, especially in relation to several programmes launched by the JVP/NPP Government, while also noting how expansion of currency (RMB) cooperation could benefit Sri Lanka.

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong has recently said that expanding cooperation with China’s RMB will inject fresh momentum into trade facilitation, investment attraction, and financial system modernisation.

He has further noted that Sri Lanka’s Clean Sri Lanka, Digital Sri Lanka, and rural development initiatives aligned closely with China’s new development agenda and has reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Sri Lanka in modern agriculture, port development, digital and green economies, and poverty reduction, “to forge a China-Sri Lanka community with a shared future”.

Qi has made this observation during the recent Global Dialogue on ‘Innovation, Openness, Shared Development’ held in Colombo.

Out-of-touch ministers

Amidst these ongoing developments, the JVP/NPP Government is showing signs of losing touch with the masses, especially given the public statements being made by some ministers and deputy ministers.

Senior Government Minister K.D. Lalkantha has made several interesting statements last week – all in one day. One of the interesting statements made by him was that the public should consume more eggs since the price of an egg had witnessed a considerable decline. “If someone ate one egg earlier, they could now eat two eggs,” he said in response to a question on the high prices of some food items.

According to Lalkantha, people should get accustomed to consuming more of the commodities that are in abundance during various seasons as it will also help farmers.

Also, referring to increasing opposition by local onion farmers over the recently issued gazette specifying details of onions that could be purchased locally, which included the diameter of an onion bulb, Lalkantha claimed that there must be standards for purchasing any goods including onions.

The latest criteria for locally produced onion purchases include that the onion diameter must range between 35 mm and 65 mm, onions larger or smaller than this range should not exceed 10% of the total weight, and approximately eight onions must be present per 1 kg, among several other conditions.

However, local farmers have claimed that the Government’s gazette on specifics of the onions to be purchased by State institutions under the Trade Ministry was aimed at discouraging local farmers in order to make way for onion imports.

The failure of Government ministers to hold dedicated public days at their ministries and in their constituencies as done in the past is also widening the gap between senior Government members and the masses.

Delaying PC Polls

It is in such a backdrop that discussions continue in political circles about the holding of the delayed Provincial Council (PC) Elections next year. 

Despite previous reports that the JVP/NPP Government had decided to hold the delayed Provincial Council Elections in the first half of next year, it is now learnt that the Government is engaged in a discussion to decide whether the elections should be further delayed.

The news of holding the delayed PC Elections resulted in Opposition parties becoming re-energised and forming joint collectives to face the polls, with many SJB MPs informing the party leadership of their decision to resign from their parliamentary seats to contest as the SJB’s chief ministerial candidates in their respective provinces.

Another troubling factor for the ruling party was the defeats faced by the JVP/NPP in a considerable number of cooperative societies, which the party had earlier believed could be easily secured by it.

The changes taking place at grassroots level have become a concern for JVP/NPP seniors who have decided to hold a comprehensive discussion in the coming days on the reasons for the changes of sentiments of the masses towards the JVP/NPP.

Heat on the Budget

Meanwhile, the Government is also under pressure to deliver on the country’s commitments to the IMF by including them in the 2026 Budget that will be presented by President AKD in Parliament this week. 

It is learnt that despite objections raised by the President to implement some of the proposed taxes by the IMF, claiming they would place an unnecessary burden on the masses, the IMF has been firm on its stance that the Sri Lankan Government had to deliver on its commitment and that the disbursement of the sixth tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) depended on these priors.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the recruitment of 8,547 personnel across several Government ministries, Provincial Councils, and commissions, following recommendations from a special committee appointed to review the public service recruitment process.

The fact that the Government may have to, even unwillingly, implement some of the IMF conditions early next year has also served as a deterrent for the ruling party to look at holding PC Elections.

Ideological dilemma

Another contributory factor for the JVP/NPP to continue the discussion on whether to hold the delayed Provincial Council Elections is an ideological dilemma.

The JVP and its founding Leader, the late Rohana Wijeweera, unleashed an insurgency during the 1987-’89 period opposing the Indo-Sri Lanka Accord as well as the Provincial Council system that was introduced as part of the accord under the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.

Although the JVP had participated in the Provincial Council Elections after the party was reconstituted following the end of the insurgency and Wijeweera’s killing, the party had continuously expressed its opposition to the Provincial Council system.

Senior JVP cadres and hardline members of the party continue to hold the view that the Provincial Council system is an unnecessary mechanism forced upon Sri Lanka by India at the time and that it should be done away with. The discussion within the JVP now is whether the party should completely cast aside one of its key political policies of opposing the Provincial Councils and proceed with holding the already delayed elections.

Looking for options

However, it is learnt that the ruling party has decided to continue the discussion on holding PC Elections and is looking at possible delaying tactics introduced during the ‘Yahapalana’ Government under then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

The Delimitation Committee report was used by Wickremesinghe and co. to delay the holding of Provincial Council Elections under the guise of a legal snag in the electoral system to be followed in the election. Instead of making the necessary legal arrangements to hold the PC Elections under the old electoral system, the deliberations on the delimitation report were prolonged until the end of the ‘Yahapalana’ Government. 

The Election Commission has already gone on record stating that the commission is unable to make the necessary preparations to hold the PC Elections without making the necessary changes to the Provincial Councils Act.

One of the options left for the Government would be for President AKD to convene an all-party meeting where a discussion could be initiated on how the Provincial Council Elections could be held by addressing the existing legal snags. At this meeting, it could be decided to appoint a committee representing all key political parties to further discuss and present a report to the all-party committee with recommendations on how to hold the delayed Provincial Council Elections.

Once these recommendations are received, legal experts or the Attorney General could be assigned to provide the necessary legal interpretations outlining the legal amendments that would be required to be introduced to the Provincial Councils Act. Afterwards, if and when the necessary legal amendments are made, the Election Commission would also require time to make preparations for the PC Elections.

In the meantime, some individuals could also go before the Supreme Court to challenge the move to hold PC Elections.

Given all these factors, it is evident that there are many ways the Government could resort to further delaying the holding of the already delayed elections to the Provincial Councils. 

Govt.’s conundrum

Be that as it may, all these scenarios, which have been weighed up by the ruling party, have caused quite a dilemma for the JVP/NPP in relation to the holding of the delayed Provincial Council Elections.

While party seniors are continuing to discuss the pros and cons of holding the PC Elections and further delaying the holding of the polls, the complications that could arise by either scenario poses a challenge. 

It is not lost on senior JVP/NPP members that while the outcome of the PC Elections could have an impact on the Government since it would be a break from the trend witnessed at the last three elections, a further delay could also result in a worse outcome if and when the polls are held after more delays.

Party registrations

Meanwhile, it is learnt that 76 politically active groups have submitted applications to the Election Commission to register as recognised political parties in the country.

While interviews with these groups that have sought registration are being held by the Election Commission, the highest number of applications have reportedly been received from the Western Province.

There are 83 political parties currently registered with the Election Commission.

Maha Jana Handa

Meanwhile, several Opposition political parties, sans the main Opposition SJB, on Monday (27 October) announced plans to hold a rally organised by a group of Opposition political parties in Nugegoda on 21 November.

The joint Opposition rally that was earlier set to be held on 11 November that resulted in the event being referred to as 11/11, it is learnt, was pushed towards the latter part of the month due to some logistical issues.

The new alliance, the Maha Jana Handa, brings together representatives from several Opposition parties, including the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), United National Party (UNP), Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU), Mahajana Eksath Party, National Freedom Front (NFF), Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, and Nava Janatha Peramuna.

However, the main Opposition SJB is a notable absentee in the programme and SJB MP S.M. Marikkar told reporters that the party would not join the proposed Opposition rally.

Re-enacting ‘Mahinda Sulanga’

However, some partners of the joint Opposition have expressed doubts over the timing of the rally and whether the parties could sustain the momentum built by such a rally until the next national-level election.

Several Opposition politicians in the ‘Maha Jana Handa’ programme feel that the main organisers of the rally – former Ministers Udaya Gammanpila, Wimal Weerawansa, and Tiran Alles – seem to be looking at recreating the narrative behind the launch of the ‘Mahinda Sulanga’ campaign following former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s (MR) defeat at the 2015 Presidential Election.

Following MR’s defeat in 2015, his famous speech to supporters from his house in Medamulana resulted in people forming long queues outside the former President’s residence to visit him. Witnessing the development and the public following of MR, the likes of Gammanpila, Weerawansa, and Vasudeva Nanayakkara began to coax MR to return to active politics by mobilising his supporters to form a new political front. 

Accordingly, the ‘Mahinda Sulanga’ campaign was launched, initially without MR but with his supporters, while the pro-MR faction among the SLFP-led United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) MPs in Parliament decided to sit in Opposition, despite the UPFA being in Government, forming what was called the Joint Opposition (JO).

Eventually this campaign was developed to become the SLPP, and the party contested its maiden election in 2018 – the Local Government Elections – recording an impressive victory at the time.

Nevertheless, the senior Opposition members noted that the ground situation in 2016 was far different from now and the failure to understand this fact could have an adverse impact on the new joint Opposition that is being formed.

Sarvajana Balaya says no

Meanwhile, the Sarvajana Balaya led by Dilith Jayaweera has said the party would not join the Maha Jana Handa on 21 November.

Sarvajana Balaya senior member Dilum Amunugama claimed that neither the main Opposition party nor the Opposition Leader were going to attend the so-called joint Opposition rally. He noted that the party had already decided not to attend the rally on the 21st.

According to Amunugama, the concept behind the formation of the latest endeavour called the ‘joint Opposition’ is unclear. 

Jayaweera meanwhile has questioned whether the so-called joint Opposition had a vision for the country and the policies on which it would base its campaign.

Udaya not with Sarvajana Balaya

Meanwhile, former Minister Gammanpila says that there is no barrier for him to attend the rally since he is no longer a member of the Sarvajana Balaya.

He explained that his party, the PHU, was no longer a member of the alliance that was led by the Sarvajana Balaya during the last Parliamentary Election. “We have not been with the party (Sarvajana Balaya) for the past five months and we have not been seen on that platform either,” Gammanpila noted.

Udaya’s prediction

Meanwhile, Gammanpila has also warned that there are efforts to arrest him prior to the Opposition rally in Colombo.

He has told a news conference in Colombo of a conspiracy to arrest him on a complaint that had recently been lodged against him before the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) by an individual representing a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

Gammanpila has alleged that CIABOC officials themselves had prepared and recorded the complaint, which accuses him of defaming the commission’s Director General under Section 125 of the Bribery Act through his media statements.

According to Gammanpila, the complaint has allegedly been politically motivated, lacking even a valid registration number of the NGO that supposedly filed it.

Namal takes the lead

Meanwhile, SLPP National Organiser Namal Rajapaksa has taken the leadership of the 21 November rally in Nugegoda.

He noted that the rally being organised by several Opposition parties was being led by the SLPP and that the party would be leading the event. Namal indicated that he too would attend the rally.

Responding to criticism that the joint Opposition rally was being held without the main Opposition party or the Opposition Leader’s support, Namal drew a comparison with the Opposition role during the 2015 ‘Yahapalana’ Government.

“During this time, we formed the joint Opposition in Parliament and formed the SLPP. We were not the official Opposition in Parliament at the time. There were Opposition parties and even the Opposition Leader and the Chief Opposition Whip at the time did not join the joint Opposition,” he explained. “There is a precedent in the past, so there is no issue,” he added. 

Wajira pushes RW

Meanwhile, UNP Chairman Wajira Abeywardena is continuing with his campaign to promote his Party Leader, former President Wickremesinghe as the possible leader of the Opposition coalition in the making by saying that people should look at using Wickremesinghe’s abilities to support the country.

He says that since Wickremesinghe managed to salvage the country from the economic crisis, it is Wickremesinghe who possesses the proper plan to drive the economy towards growth.

“The reason to form an alliance is for everyone to join for a common cause. Once these groups come together, they need to understand who can provide them with the required safety mechanisms, especially related to economic security. They need to decide who can engage in politics without getting slammed,” Abeywardena noted, hinting that the emerging Opposition alliance should turn to Wickremesinghe for leadership.

SJB’s loss

However, members of the joint Opposition organising the rally this month, especially the SLPP, claim that it would be a loss, especially a political one, for the SJB to not participate in the formation of a joint Opposition platform.

SLPP’s Sanjeewa Edirimanna recently noted that when Opposition parties were forming a platform to unite, all Opposition parties should come forward to join in the endeavour. “When sugar falls on the ground, you don’t have to send telegrams to ants to ask them to join around the sugar. In a similar vein, Opposition parties should come together when a joint coalition is being formed,” he said. 

RW’s Rambukkana trip

Wickremesinghe meanwhile had recently made a visit to Rambukkana, resulting in several Opposition politicians questioning why he had made such a trip at a time when Opposition members were meeting frequently to discuss the progress of the Maha Jana Handa rally.

However, the response received from Wickremesinghe’s office had taken some politicians by surprise. It is learnt that Wickremesinghe had travelled to Rambukkana to attend the funeral of his cook’s father. Wickremesinghe, it is further learnt, had said that he had to make time to attend the funeral.

Breaking down the cost

Meanwhile, Wickremesinghe was back in court last Wednesday (29 October) over the case against him on the alleged misuse of public funds during a visit to the UK.

Additional Solicitor General Dileepa Peiris had extensively argued in court about Wickremesinghe’s health condition and the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of over Rs. 16 million in public funds during a visit to the UK.

Peiris had told court that six doctors had produced a medical report stating that Wickremesinghe suffered from a blocked artery and was treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in Colombo. He had questioned how such a report had been submitted to court without a judicial order and claimed it had been done through the influence of the defence. 

“My Lord, on the previous date, President’s Counsel Anuja Premaratna told the court that his client’s condition had worsened and that he was admitted to the ICU. Normally, patients discharged from the ICU are sent to a general ward. But this suspect was released from hospital the very next day – smiling, taking selfies with doctors. Which ICU in the world has a patient reading Boris Johnson’s books while supposedly in critical condition? Even while warded, he was making phone calls to various people. This is not an ordinary suspect, My Lord; this is a person who misused Rs. 16 million of State funds within just 36 hours,” the Additional Solicitor General had claimed.

The Magistrate had then asked Peiris if he was requesting a cancellation of bail. Peiris had replied that the prosecution had concerns over the accuracy of the medical reports and had requested that the bail order be reconsidered.

Appearing for Wickremesinghe, President’s Counsel Tilak Marapana had told court that the case revolved around whether the former President’s UK trip was an official visit or a private one. “Since the investigation has not yet clarified that, the focus has shifted towards attacking these medical reports,” he had said.

Peiris had also pointed out to the court that the former President had spent over Rs. 16 million in 36 hours in the UK. 

“The suspect had served as President from July 2022 till September 2024. The basic salary of a president is around Rs. 97,500 and during his tenure in office, he had received a salary of over Rs. 2.5 million. But he had spent over Rs. 16 million for a 36-hour trip to the UK, which means he had spent Rs. 450,000 per hour and Rs. 7,500 per minute,” Peiris had said.

The case will be called again on 28 January 2026. 

Correcting assets declarations

Meanwhile, it is learnt that a group of Government MPs and ministers have requested the CIABOC to permit them to amend their assets declaration forms.

It is further learnt that these ruling party members have informed the CIABOC that there are several changes or corrections to be made in their declarations.

Focus back on President’s Fund

Meanwhile, an audit conducted on the President’s Fund has revealed that a sum exceeding Rs. 130 million had been spent on 56 politicians who have been members of Provincial Councils and Parliament between 2005 and 2024.

This expenditure had reportedly been undertaken by the President’s Fund without following proper procedures. According to reports, the beneficiaries have not furnished the required documents including the report from the divisional secretary, financial assets declarations, and the cost of the medical procedures. The audit has also revealed that the President’s Fund had failed as well to follow the maximum financial assistance that could be provided to individuals when approving payments to these politicians.

It has been further revealed that a former Prime Minister had been provided with a sum exceeding Rs. 20 million on two occasions. Although around Rs. 10 million of the said amounts had been given as a loan by the fund, the amount had not been repaid even this year.

MR and the JVP/NPP MP

Meanwhile, former President MR had recently attended an event in the Kalutara District where he had been warmly welcomed by MPs from the Government and Opposition. The event was at the Sri Buddhasiri Temple in Moragalla in Beruwala.

JVP/NPP MP Chandima Hettiaratchi who was at the event had also welcomed MR and had engaged in a friendly chat with the former President.

The ruling party MP had inquired into MR’s well-being and the latter had responded saying that he was keeping well. Photographs of the event that were shared on social media show the JVP/NPP MP sitting next to MR and engaging in a friendly chat.

Visiting Chamal

MR, meanwhile, visited his elder brother, former Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, last week at his residence to wish him on his birthday and participate in religious observances that had been organised to celebrate the event.

Photographs of the visit show MR bowing his head and worshipping Chamal and a post on MR’s Facebook page stated: “I will always bow my head and pay my respects to him (Chamal), our family’s eldest member. I wish him the very best and blessings for a long life.”

Returning 34 houses

Meanwhile, 34 State-owned bungalows and houses that were occupied by members of previous governments have been returned to the Government following the latter’s decision to reacquire these houses. Among them are 21 houses from the Colombo 7 area and 13 houses from the Colombo 5 area.

Last week, the Government also decided that official residences earlier occupied by former ministers would be assigned to set up four new high court houses.

The buildings designated for the new courts are located at No. B 88, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 7, which was occupied by former Minister Dilum Amunugama; No. C 76, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, which was occupied by former State Minister Sanath Nishantha; No. B 108, Wijerama Road, Colombo 7, which was occupied by former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella; and No. B 12, Stanmore Crescent, Colombo 7, which was occupied by the late R. Sampanthan.

CBK leaves residence

Meanwhile, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (CBK) vacated her official residence on Independence Avenue in Colombo 7 yesterday (1). CBK had requested for some time to vacate the official residence due to medical reasons and has now vacated the residence.

Last week also saw CBK donating some books from her personal library to the University of Colombo Library. The former President has said that the donation included a selection of valuable educational and scholarly books. 

“I donated a selection of valuable educational and scholarly books from my personal library to the University of Colombo Library and spent a brief moment with the library staff. At this moment, I also recall with gratitude the support and coordination provided by Prof. Jayadeva Uyangoda and Prof. Nirmal Ranjith Dewasiri,” she had noted in a statement on social media.

NLB probe

Meanwhile, a probe has been launched by the National Lotteries Board (NLB) against several members of former governments over alleged losses amounting to millions of rupees caused to the board.

NLB Chairman M.D.C.A. Perera has said that strict legal action would be taken against the wife of MP Hesha Withanage and the sister-in-law of former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, along with associates of former Ministers Duminda Dissanayake and Navin Dissanayake.

He has been quoted in the media saying that the politicians are being accused of misappropriating over Rs. 12 million by selling more than 500,000 lottery tickets as NLB district representatives.

“One such agent is Lakisha Tharangika Rajapaksha, appointed in 2016 on the recommendation of then Education Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam. She owes Rs. 9.8 million since 2019/’20. When looking into why no action had been taken, investigations revealed that she is a close relative of the former Minister, confirmed through her marriage certificate. 

“Another agent, Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Geetha Nandani, owes Rs. 2.1 million since 2019. Her application listed the email address of MP Hesha Withanage and her marriage certificate confirmed she is his wife,” the NLB Chairman has added.

However, Kariyawasam dismissed the allegations levelled against him and his relative by the NLB Chairman. He has further noted that legal action will be initiated against the NLB Chairman for making false statements about him and his relative.